Meriden Health Talk

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are here to talk about one of the most important topics as a New Englander – how to prepare for winter weather.  Let’s start where you spend most of your time: your home. If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Each winter season have your furnace system and vent checked by a quali...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Environmental Health Office is here to talk about Radon. Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in soil, rocks, and water. It moves through the ground and can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors. The biggest health risk associated with radon it its link...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about simple, realistic tips to help you have a healthy and happy new year. Eat mindfully. Eating well does not have to mean giving up all the foods you love; it’s about balance. Focus on colorful vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Don’t stress over every meal but rather aim for more mindful eating in general. Stay active....

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Victoria George from Rushford in Meriden is back to talk to you about certain risks that alcohol and drugs pose to young people and our community, particularly during the holiday season. For many families, the holidays are a time for travel, celebration, and connection. Yet on the nation’s roadways, this season of joy often comes with a troubling rise in dru...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we want to talk about Naloxone, also known as Narcan, and why it is important. Naloxone, also known as Narcan™, is a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication. It is a short acting medication that can reverse a lethal dosage of opioids by temporarily blocking the effects of the drug. Naloxone restores someone's ability to breath allowing time to access...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are happy to welcome Victoria George from Rushford /the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition to talk to us about mental health during the holiday season.  The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebrations, but for many of us, they can bring a lot of stress, anxiety, and even sadness. But here’s the thing: It’s okay to not f...

In this episode of, Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about toy safety as December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month!  Here are some considerations as you are out shopping for that perfect gift: A lot of new and interesting items come to the home during the holiday season and small children explore their world by putting things in their mouths. A good rule of thumb is that if an item is smal...

In this episode of, Meriden Health Talk, we are hearing from our two Parent Ambassadors from the Meriden Early Start Program!  Meriden Early Start is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched in July 2025. It combines 3 existing programs- child daycare contracts, School Readiness Grants, and State Head Start Supplement Grants- into 1 new program.  Our Parent Ambassadors'...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Environmental Health staff is offering guidance on how to safely prepare and handle food to avoid foodborne illness this Thanksgiving! One very important thing to remember is handwashing. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water before handling food and especially after handling raw meat. Raw meat, poultry and seafood should be kept sep...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Rhonda Knight, our Early Childhood Coordinator is talking about the Meriden Early Start program! Meriden Early Start is a state-funded early childhood education program that helps young children build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Imagine a classroom filled with discovery—toddlers stacking blocks, preschoolers exploring letters through play, and...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about septic systems! Do you know if your home is on a septic system or city sewer? Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures on your property that treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, showers, kitchen drains and laundry.  If you have questions regarding your septic system, you can contact our En...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we connected with Rushford, one of our community partners, to talk about our Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program, known as MORR. Thank you to Rushford for recording this podcast episode. People CAN and DO recover, and we are here to help. The Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program, known as MORR, is designed to meet individuals wherever they a...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are back to talk more about lead and some things you want to look for if you question whether you or your child would be exposed to lead.   Housing – Any home that was built prior to 1978 has the potential to have lead.  If the house was built before 1950, it is almost certain to have lead.  We would look for any painted surface that appears to have multi...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about some important safety tips to keep your Halloween happy and safe! Be street smart. Always use sidewalks and crosswalks. Walk, don’t run – and look both ways before crossing the street. Children under 12 years of age should be accompanied by an adult for trick-or-treating. Stay visible by carrying a flashlight or glow stick. Add reflectiv...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are kicking off National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by talking about lead - what it is, its harmful effects, and what we do in local health if your child tests positive for lead.  What is lead? Lead is a metal found in the natural environment.  Over time, it had been found to be useful in things like paint, gasoline, varnish, and car batteries.  It in...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we hear from our Parent Ambassadors from the Meriden Early Start program! Feeling lost as a parent? You are not alone! My name is Karla Vega - I am a Parent Ambassador with Meriden Early Start. Meriden Early Start is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched July 1,2025. It combines 3 existing programs- Child daycare contracts, Scho...

En este episodio de Meriden Health Talk, Escuchamos a nuestros padres embajadores del programa Meriden Early Start! Hola familias de Meriden, ¿Se sienten perdidos como padres? ¡No están solos! Mi nombre es Karla Vega/Yamayra Rivera y soy Embajadora de Padres con Meriden Early Start. Meriden Early Start es el nuevo programa de cuidado y educación temprana financiado por el estado que se lanzó el pr...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are reminding residents that ticks can still be active in your yard even in the fall season! Although we often associate ticks with the warmer spring and summer months, the cooler fall weather does not mean ticks are gone for the year.  Some ticks are more active in the autumn. Adult blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks) can be found in October and N...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the importance of properly thawing out food. Perishable foods should never be thawed on the counter, or in hot water and must not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. The safest ways to thaw out food include: Putting items in the refrigerator where the temperature is 41 degrees F or less. Completely submerging food under...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we want to talk about staying informed. One way to do this is by signing up for the CT ALERT Emergency notification system.   CT ALERT is a statewide system that enables state and local 911 emergency communication centers to provide essential information quickly in a variety of emergency situations. The City of Meriden participates in CT Alert.  By signing u...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the 4 simple steps to food safety! Following these four steps at home can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning. Clean - wash your hands and surfaces often. Separate - don't cross-contaminate. Cook - to the right internal temperature. Chill - refrigerate leftovers promptly.  For more information on food safety please v...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we want to provide tips about how to make an emergency plan.  This plan helps you think about: The types of emergencies that could happen close to you, List what you will do and need in an emergency, and Helps you tell people who support you how to help you in an emergency. To start, it may help to ask yourself and your family a few questions such as: How wi...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about foodborne illness or food poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness occur in the United States each year. This translates to approximately 1 in 6 Americans becoming ill due to foodborne pathogens.  Symptoms can range from mild to serious and can last f...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the importance of building an emergency kit.  If you are just planning to build your kit, consider making one with the following items. Your kit can be a plastic bin, duffle bag, or back pack with the following: Bottled water and non-perishable food or food with a long shelf-life, such as granola bars A flashlight A First Aid Kit and med...

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about fair season! It's National Food Safety Education Month and this week we want to remind you about the importance of washing your hands at fairs. Whether you are stopping by to visit the animals, going on rides, or enjoying some delicious treats you should to wash your hands with soap and water at the hand washing stations.   Stay tuned fo...